economy

Mortgage rates surge to nearly four-week high as Iran headlines impact markets

Negative headlines on the Iran war pushed bond yields higher, and mortgage rates followed.

Mortgage rates surge to nearly four-week high as Iran headlines impact markets

TL;DR

  • Mortgage rates rose significantly on Wednesday, reaching their highest level since April 3.
  • The increase is attributed to President Trump's comments on maintaining the U.S. naval blockade against Iran, which boosted oil prices and bond yields.
  • Mortgage applications to buy a home surged by 1% last week, and 21% compared to the same period last year.
  • Increased market supply and easing home prices in some areas, along with higher buyer traffic, suggest consumers may be adapting to higher rates and economic uncertainty.
  • The Federal Reserve is not expected to alter interest rates at its upcoming meeting.